Be Your Own Light In Times Of Darkness

We’ve been facing dark days and challenging times across the world in recent years, no matter where we live. But the future is much brighter than it may seem, and that light of hope begins with you.

With social media and constant news feed updates, mostly centered around negativity, disaster, conflict, or tragedy, many of us feel overwhelmed these days. These are especially not easy times for the spiritually conscious person and the highly sensitive.

Our generation is being bombarded with a stream of distressing information and content, much of which includes falsehoods and fearmongering. Children today are exposed to more in grade school than some of us were after we graduated and entered the workforce. That’s not always a good thing, but it also means they’re growing up faster, and with the right guidance, they can grow up wiser.

When people talk about “the good old days,” they’re usually thinking about how much simpler life seemed in the past. I remember my grandparents saying such things long before there was the internet, smartphones, or AI. So, I guess every generation has its own reasons for nostalgia, and this sentiment is nothing new in the digital age.

That said, some of us today still grew up without television or even radio, and lived through the full evolution of the current digital age. Many elders still feel disconnected from how rapidly things have changed. But there’s beauty in that too. Each generation carries wisdom, and now, more than ever, we need to blend that wisdom with the tools of today to create a better path forward for all of us.

These days, more children and adults are also struggling with mental health. It’s a reflection of the fast pace of life, the pressures of social media, the rise of online bullying and comparison, and most of all… too much screen time and too little fresh air!

There is a light within you that can never be extinguished. It is the light of your true self ~ Sharon Salzberg

But awareness is growing. More people are seeking healing and a more conscious way of life. And this is certainly possible for all of us, despite what’s going on in the world around us.

So, how do we protect our health, well-being and sanity, and support those we love?

Start by taking a simple pause or two every day. Turn off the TV. Step away from the phone, the computer, the tablet. Reconnect with your people. Look your loved ones in the eye. Say, “I love you.” Offer a hug. And quietly, send a blessing to their life. I do this daily. It changes the energy around me and within me.

Take some “me time.” Reclaim space for yourself. Ask yourself what you need in this moment. Sometimes, I walk in nature. Other times, I sit in my garden or go to the beach and watch the water. In winter, I stand outside and let snowflakes kiss my face. These are simple moments, but they are deeply cleansing and healing. They rejuvenate the soul.

To truly thrive, you must care for your mind, your body, and your spirit. When these three are in harmony with your dreams and your truth, you will feel it. Life will start to shift. You’ll notice more beauty. You’ll feel lighter, stronger, and more peaceful within.

Not everyone will understand your peace. Some may even try to challenge it because they haven’t yet found their own. They might be unhappy or unsure how to find balance themselves. That’s okay. It’s not your job to carry their burden. What matters is that you protect your own energy. No one else can create your peace, and no one can take it unless you allow them to.

When I encounter negativity, I gently shift the conversation. If that doesn’t work, I excuse myself for a moment, step outside, and take a breath. If you do this often enough, people start to catch on. And if they don’t, and you suspect they’re speaking ill of you behind your back, let them. Walk away. True friends don’t dwell in judgment. They hold space for light and love.

Light in your mind is truth. Light in your heart is knowledge. Light in your soul is wisdom ~ Matshona Dhliwayo

Here are some simple strategies I use to keep my own light strong and often recommend to my clients during readings. Each one helps restore your energy, shift your perspective, and reconnect you with your divine source:

Create a digital detox routine

Set sacred times each day to unplug from screens. Let your nervous system rest. Allow your spirit to breathe. Whether it’s an hour before bed or a morning without checking your phone, these small windows of stillness invite deeper clarity.

Protect your peace with boundaries

Say no when you need to. Your energy is precious, so guard it with intention. Boundaries aren’t walls; they are filters that let in love but block out draining or toxic patterns.

Make time for mindful silence

Stillness invites the soul to speak. Whether through meditation, a few deep breaths, or sitting quietly with your morning tea, silence creates space for guidance, healing, and reconnection.

Surround yourself with light-filled souls

Choose a community that lifts you higher. Spend time with people who inspire you to grow, heal, and rise. Even if your circle is small, let it be sacred.

Return to nature

Walk barefoot on the grass. Watch the clouds move. Feel the sun on your skin. The Earth is a master healer. Nature grounds you in the present and reminds you that you are part of something bigger and deeply supported.

Begin a gratitude journal

Gratitude is alchemy. Each morning or evening, write down three things you’re thankful for. They can be small or profound: your morning coffee, a friend’s message, a moment of peace. Gratitude shifts your focus from lack to abundance. The more you notice the blessings around you, the more they multiply.

Adopt a prayer or meditation practice

It doesn’t have to be long or formal. A few heartfelt words whispered in the quiet, or a moment of focused breath, can open your connection to Spirit. You might try a daily affirmation, mantra, or simple prayer like, “Show me the way today. I am open to divine guidance.”

Use divination to connect with guidance

Pull a daily oracle or tarot card to inspire your day. Ask your ancestors, guides, or angels for a message. Sit quietly and reflect on the symbolism or intuitive message you receive. It’s a great tool to deepen your insight and spiritual connection.

Work with crystal energy

Crystals are more than beautiful; they are energetic allies. Carry them in your pocket, wear them as jewelry, or place them in your space to shift energy. Here are some recommended crystals to support positivity, protection, and inspiration:

Citrine: Boosts optimism and personal power. A joyful stone that helps manifest abundance and light.

Amethyst: Calms the mind, enhances spiritual clarity, and wards off negativity.

Black Tourmaline: Powerful for grounding and shielding from toxic energy.

Clear Quartz: Amplifies intentions and brings clarity. Can be programmed for any purpose.

Labradorite: A mystical stone of transformation and intuition, perfect for navigating change.

Rose Quartz: Opens the heart, restores trust, and nurtures unconditional love—especially for yourself.

Create a crystal grid in your home, place one under your pillow, or keep one by your workspace to shift the energy around you. Let your intuition guide you to the right stones for your journey.

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same ~ Marianne Williamson

Your path is sacred, and your energy is unique. Check in with yourself daily. What do you need to feel balanced? What does your soul crave? Whether it’s music, dance, journaling, ritual baths, or moon gazing. Honor your spirit in the ways that feel most true to you.

Remember, you’re not here to fix everything. But you are here to shine. Your light is needed. You are meant to illuminate the path not only for yourself, but for others who are still learning how to glow.

Spirit is always near. And when you feel you can’t hold the light alone, ask for help, whether through prayer, meditation, or simply speaking your heart out loud. You are never alone.

You have permission to shine, even when others do not. Keep lighting your space. Eventually, those who are meant to walk beside you will begin to notice. They’ll ask how you remain so grounded, so calm, so full of grace. And just like that, you’ll become a guide. Not by force, but by example.

You don’t need all the answers. You don’t need to change the whole world. But you can choose your path. You can choose light. And from that choice, everything begins.

Be your own light.